VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX), a multinational epigenetics company, announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study in Critical Care Medicine demonstrating that its Nu.Q NETs H3.1 biomarker is an independent predictor of 28-day mortality and the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with sepsis and septic shock. The findings highlight the biomarker's potential to improve patient outcomes through earlier risk assessment and tailored treatment strategies.
The study, which enrolled patients with sepsis and septic shock, found significantly higher Nu.Q NETs H3.1 levels in those with septic shock compared to those with sepsis alone. Moreover, the biomarker exhibited a dose-response relationship with the severity of acute kidney injury, indicating that higher levels correlate with more severe renal impairment. This association remained significant after adjusting for other clinical variables, reinforcing the biomarker's independent prognostic value.
In an accompanying editorial, the journal examined the role of H3.1 nucleosomes as a potential marker of NET-mediated organ injury, further validating the biological relevance of the biomarker. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like structures released by immune cells during infection and inflammation, and their dysregulation is implicated in sepsis pathophysiology. The Nu.Q NETs test quantifies circulating nucleosomes, which are elevated during NETosis, providing a measurable indicator of disease severity.
VolitionRx believes these findings support ongoing commercial and licensing discussions for its Nu.Q NETs technology. The company's nucleosome quantification platform is designed to detect diseases associated with NETosis, including sepsis and certain cancers. According to Volition, the test could help clinicians anticipate disease progression, guide treatment decisions, and monitor patients over time across acute and chronic conditions. The company estimates a total addressable market of $2.8 billion for this technology, and the latest evidence adds to a growing body of published data supporting its clinical utility.
Dr. Andrew Retter, Medical Consultant at Volition, commented, "Introducing Nu.Q NETs into hospitals, as a treatable, trackable trait, could lead to new ways of treating sepsis, improve patient survival and the quality of life of survivors." Sepsis remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with high mortality rates and long-term complications among survivors. Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for timely interventions, such as aggressive fluid management, antibiotic administration, and renal replacement therapy, which can be life-saving.
The study's implications extend beyond sepsis management. Acute kidney injury is a common and serious complication of sepsis, often requiring dialysis and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The ability to predict which patients will need renal replacement therapy could enable earlier initiation of supportive care, potentially preventing progression to end-stage renal disease. Additionally, the biomarker's association with mortality could aid in prognostic discussions and resource allocation in intensive care units.
VolitionRx is advancing the science of epigenetics, focusing on developing simple, cost-effective blood tests for early detection and monitoring of diseases. The company's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with additional offices in the U.S. and London. The Nu.Q NETs test is part of a broader portfolio aimed at addressing unmet clinical needs in acute and chronic conditions.
The full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/RErhc. For more information about Volition, visit https://volition.com/.
